ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As many families struggle with making ends meet, putting food on the table can be a challenge. For some children, meals served at school are the only meals they receive.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on lawmakers to approve the Universal Schools Meals Program Act. It would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to all students regardless of income. 

Some parents say they support the bill. 

“[It would] definitely help a lot of families out, for their kids to come home with free food," Rochester parent Dylan Foster said. "It would help a lot of kids out." 

Gillibrand says that by providing this program for all students, it reduces a stigma that often surrounds free meal programs. 

“[For] a lot of kids, we know that the best meal they might get is school lunch," Gillibrand said. "If we can supplement that with nutrition after 5 p.m., that would be important for their bodies and minds."

Only eight states have universal free meals for students.

The proposal argues that research finds that well-fed children perform better in class and have less behavioral issues.

"If we have better humans graduating, we have better people as adults and healthier adults," said Gillibrand. 

The legislation would also expand summer food service programs and summer EBT program by making all children eligible to participate in the programs.